THE NEW HEBRIDES

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 179, 24 April 1919, Page 8

THE NEW HEBRIDES

AGITATION BF BENCH. Private messages received in Sydney recently disclose the fact that the French people arc again urging their claim for the possession of the New Hebrides, and that, unless vigorous protests are promptly made by Australia, which has , considerable interests there, this group of islands may pas 3 into French control entirely. Naturally the geograpliicul position of tlie New Hebrides makes tho matter one of extreme importance to Sydney and the eastern coast of Australia generally. The question of control is not a new one (says tlie "Sydney Daily Telegraph"). It has long been agitating the minds, not only of tlie while people in the islands, but in a less extent the natives concerned. While French people predominate slightly in the population of the Now Hebrides, it is asserted by British residents that the natives favour British control. At any rate Australia lias considerable commercial interests in these islands, and these are capable of tremendous expansion. The question of control is being taken up by some of the principal commercial men 'in Sydney, in order that the fullest consideration.shall be given to Australian claims before any change in the control of the islands .ie made. From a humanitarian aspect the Presbyterian Church, ■which lias been allotted the New Hebrides for, its religious and missionary enterprise, is deeply concerned. So far that, denomination hns spent about in this connection. It is admitted that this missionary work baa been auc-' cefsful, and in many islands of the group it has changed cannibals into n law-abid-ing, peaceful, and industrious people, with a measure of education and a considerable degree of oivilisation. This, it is claimed by the Presbyterian mission, gives it a very strong moral claim.